Please help me pick a reel to replace my Lews Tournament MB - Lews vs Shimano

[badfish79]

So its time to replace my Tournament MB. Not going to put any more effort to fix the geariness that developed. I ordered a Lews Custom Pro SLP, but I didnt like the way it palmed so I returned it. I think the sideplate is more bulbous because of the new ACB braking system or maybe its just the way the SLP frame is? Either way, I prefer the way the Tournament MB LFS feels. I also have an older BB1 with the same MSB braking system as the MB and I also preferred the way it palmed vs the Custom Pro SLP. I guess for my preferred ergonomics, the height of the reel isnt a concern as much as the width of the sideplate.

 

Since I'm replacing, I might as well upgrade to new technology. I am really comfortable with Lews, so I think I will try the current Tournament Pro or Tournament Lite, both are LFS frame with the ACB brakes. Does anyone know if these reels might be as wide as the SLP is? I dont have any local stores with either of these reels in stock so I can check myself. If its the ACB system that makes the SLP wide, I might consider the Custom SLP that has the MSB brake system. Anyone have that reel that can comment on it?

 

A strong non-Lews contender is a 20 Metanium. With the JDM discount, these are a little bit more or equal price to the Lews options. Its considered a high end reel so it must be awesome right? My only experience with Shimano baitcasters is an SLX XT, which I wasnt very impressed with. Ergonomics was nice, but it didnt feel as refined as the Lews reels I have. Anyone have any experience with the Metanium compared to any newer Lews reels? The Bantam A sounded good until I learned its more than an ounce heavier than all the options i listed so far.

 

I mainly fish saltwater, and cast lures from 1/4 - 1oz if that matters. Thanks for any advice or other options you guys can suggest.

[Jig Man]

I was just in the Bass Pro Catalog Outlet in Springfield, MO where they sell returned refurbished reels.  There was a big table of Lews reels and not one Shimano in the store.

[PBBrandon]

If you really like the LFS frame, the Tournament Pro LFS is a great reel. I’d take it over the Custom SLP which has the exact same frame as the one you dislike: That being said the Metanium would probably mop the floor with them performance-wise. Nothing against the Lews, I love mine, but a $400 Shimano is gonna be better than a $200 Lews. It also is a small framed reel that will likely feel nice in hand. Another really good small reel is the Daiwa Zillion SV. Should be similarly priced or a little cheaper than the Met if you go JDM. The one I have is flawless and feels similar in size to my Lews reels

[Catt]

Lew's Tournament Lite ?

[badfish79]

8 minutes ago, Catt said:

Lew's Tournament Lite ?

I really want this to be the one, but after the Custom Pro ergo issue, I'm worried about the ACB being a factor.

 

I was also kinda surpised that I wasnt impressed with the Custom Pro's weight. I guess I'm used to the solid feeling of the Tournament MB and BB1. The Custom Pro's weight made me think it was made of plastic.

[PBBrandon]

26 minutes ago, fish_burrito said:

I really want this to be the one, but after the Custom Pro ergo issue, I'm worried about the ACB being a factor.

 

I was also kinda surpised that I wasnt impressed with the Custom Pro's weight. I guess I'm used to the solid feeling of the Tournament MB and BB1. The Custom Pro's weight made me think it was made of plastic.

The ACB isn’t the problem, it’s the SLP frame. The tournament lite should feel similar to your MB and has an aluminum frame ?

[FrnkNsteen]

I believe the Tournament MP is the replacement version of your Tournament MB. 

 

I'm not a fan of the new ACB brakes on the Lews either. Might be ok for longer casting reels, but I really didn't like it on my Pro SP skip and pitch model.

 

I've been pretty impressed with the Shimano Curado MGLs in both the 71 and 151 (Lefty models). They palm nice to me and are nice and smooth casting and retrieving!

[newapti5]

Metanium is made of magnesium. Although Shimano claims it's safe for saltwater, I wouldn't put it to the test. I'd recommend a Shimano Tranx 200, which is designed for saltwater. 

[badfish79]

24 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

Metanium is made of magnesium. Although Shimano claims it's safe for saltwater, I wouldn't put it to the test. I'd recommend a Shimano Tranx 200, which is designed for saltwater. 

I'm considering a Tranx 150, but the SLX XT experience has me cautious about the non-high end Shimanos. I'll probably plan a trip to a local tackleshop to try this or a Curado out to see how they feel in hand, just in case the SLX was a dud.

[Catt]

2 hours ago, fish_burrito said:

I really want this to be the one, but after the Custom Pro ergo issue, I'm worried about the ACB being a factor.

 

I have the Tournament MB, Tournament MP, Team Lite, & Tournament Lite. 

 

Zero issues ?

[SproDD79]

I have a been using a Tournament MB 5:6:1 lefty for cranking and have been very satisfied with it, if you are exposing the reel to salt , I would go with a Tranx.

[newapti5]

1 hour ago, fish_burrito said:

I'm considering a Tranx 150, but the SLX XT experience has me cautious about the non-high end Shimanos. I'll probably plan a trip to a local tackleshop to try this or a Curado out to see how they feel in hand, just in case the SLX was a dud.

 

SLX is the entry level of Shimano reels, and Curado/Tranx is the real workhorse reel from them. 

 

[FishTank]

I like the Metanium but if you are using it for saltwater the Tranx 150 or Daiwa Costal 80 would be the two I would be looking at. 

[badfish79]

18 hours ago, Catt said:

 

I have the Tournament MB, Tournament MP, Team Lite, & Tournament Lite. 

 

Zero issues ?

Do the side plate of the MB and Tournament Lite have similar profile or dimensions?

[the reel ess]

I've owned 3 MBs. One finally gave up the ghost. I sent it to BPS to be repaired. They called and said they didn't have parts for it. They offered me a refurbished Johnny Morris Carbonlite less than half a new reel cost and I said sure. Other than color and cosmetic differences, it could be the same reel. I also bought 2 Lew's LFS reels. I love them. One is my jig reel because I got an 8.1:1 model.

[Catt]

48 minutes ago, fish_burrito said:

Do the side plate of the MB and Tournament Lite have similar profile or dimensions?

 

Both the Team Lite & Tournament Lite are slightly shorter in height. 

 

When I switched from Calcuttas to low profile I had a hard time with ergonomics. I had tried Diawia & Shimano, couldn't get comfortable.

 

I happen on Lew's by accident, sent my Calcuttas to DVT & needed something to fish with. Went to Academy & they had Lew's LFS on sale, bought two. Like em when I went back to Academy they were out, bought a MB.

 

Then the Team Lite, MP, & Tournament Lite.

 

I find Lew's work best if you ignore setting the cast control knob to adjust side play. I do old school & adjust it to slow the lure dropping to the floor. Start with the brakes in neutral & adjust to taste.

[dodgeguy]

23 hours ago, PBBrandon said:

If you really like the LFS frame, the Tournament Pro LFS is a great reel. I’d take it over the Custom SLP which has the exact same frame as the one you dislike: That being said the Metanium would probably mop the floor with them performance-wise. Nothing against the Lews, I love mine, but a $400 Shimano is gonna be better than a $200 Lews. It also is a small framed reel that will likely feel nice in hand. Another really good small reel is the Daiwa Zillion SV. Should be similarly priced or a little cheaper than the Met if you go JDM. The one I have is flawless and feels similar in size to my Lews reels

Why is that ? My brother in law has a metanium and it casts no better than a tournament pro. The only thing that got mopped up is an extra $200 out of his wallet. And if we are going to say the $400 dollar Shimano is better than the $200 Lews then the new Lew's elite at $499 must be  better than both.

[PBBrandon]

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

Why is that ? My brother in law has a metanium and it casts no better than a tournament pro. The only thing that got mopped up is an extra $200 out of his wallet. And if we are going to say the $400 dollar Shimano is better than the $200 Lews then the new Lew's elite at $499 must be  better than both.

I wasn’t taking a shot at Lews. Just in general, most people would say the Metanium is better than the Tournament Pro. I prefer my $300 Chronarch over my Tournament Pro. But I’d say my tournament pro is on the same level as my curados, as it is price wise as well. I haven’t tried the new Lews elite but I’m sure it’s a really nice reel

[dodgeguy]

1 hour ago, PBBrandon said:

I wasn’t taking a shot at Lews. Just in general, most people would say the Metanium is better than the Tournament Pro. I prefer my $300 Chronarch over my Tournament Pro. But I’d say my tournament pro is on the same level as my curados, as it is price wise as well. I haven’t tried the new Lews elite but I’m sure it’s a really nice reel

Sorry I thought you were taking a shot . I think Diawa Shimano and Lew's all have great reels. It's just a matter of what someone likes. It doesn't make one better than the other.I would try the Elite but I don't have 499$ for one reel. Right now the 299$ custom Lite is my favorite.

[Phil77]

Get a Hypermag. The met is a fine reel except for the braking system for me. I have both and and only use the Met for weightless senkos/flukes/trickworms. It will bomb with a wrist flick but then again all my other reels will too.

[Dogface]

On 1/6/2023 at 6:41 PM, Jig Man said:

I was just in the Bass Pro Catalog Outlet in Springfield, MO where they sell returned refurbished reels.  There was a big table of Lews reels and not one Shimano in the store.

 

That tells us a lot. ? 

 

Seriously I compare everything to Shimano and almost always end up buying Shimano. 

[rangerjockey]

On 1/6/2023 at 5:41 PM, Jig Man said:

I was just in the Bass Pro Catalog Outlet in Springfield, MO where they sell returned refurbished reels.  There was a big table of Lews reels and not one Shimano in the store.

It was the same way when they were still out on Hwy 65 in Springfield. There was a bin full of them. 

Back then they had a good tournament rewards program and I suspect that why some guys (including me) started using them. I no longer have any. 

The problem Lew's had was the bad blood between ownership and Johnny Morris.

Now, the headquarters in Springfield is gone along with the tackle shop and Strike King or its parent company owns Lew's, and they are in Bass Pro Shop.

 

[Woody B]

Many, or probably all of the reel companies keep coming up with new stuff and new features....or new names for old features.   I've got reels from Shimano, Daiwa and Lews.   They all work great.  How they feel in my hand is what makes me like or dislike a reel.   

 

The only reels I have that I hate are a couple Daiwa SV TW 103's.   I move the brake adjustment when I'm palming the reel.  I love everything else about them. I've thought about gluing them into a position around 7 or 8.   I'll be fishing with one, everything will be going great then all of a sudden I make a cast that goes 20 feet.  I'll look and the brakes will be on 16 or something.  

 

What I'm saying is, if it's possible I'll be holding any reel I'm considering buying.   

[Catt]

2 hours ago, Woody B said:

I've got reels from Shimano, Daiwa and Lews.   They all work great.  How they feel in my hand is what makes me like or dislike a reel.

 

Exactly ?

[dodgeguy]

2 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

It was the same way when they were still out on Hwy 65 in Springfield. There was a bin full of them. 

Back then they had a good tournament rewards program and I suspect that why some guys (including me) started using them. I no longer have any. 

The problem Lew's had was the bad blood between ownership and Johnny Morris.

Now, the headquarters in Springfield is gone along with the tackle shop and Strike King or its parent company owns Lew's, and they are in Bass Pro Shop.

 

Strike King does not own Lew's. They are both owned by Rather  corporation.